Find Manningham - February 2023 Edition

• Accounting Services

• Acupuncture

• Architect

• Architectural Interior Design

• Attorney- Family

• Auctions- Real Estate

• Bookkeeper

• Bowen Therapy

• Builder- Commercial

• Business Coach

• Business Equipment Financing

• Business Insurance

• Cabinets

• Caterer

• Graphic Designer

• Plasterer

• Chinese Medicine

• Chiropractor

• Commercial Mortgage

• Computer Repair

• Computer Web Design

• Concrete

• Copywriting/Copy Editing

• Counselor/ Psychotherapist

• Dentist

• Electrical Operations

• Electrician

• Finance Bookeeper

• Financial Planner

• Fitness Trainer

• Flooring

• Pilates

• Garage Doors

• General Insurance

• Health & Wellness Coach

• Homeopathy

• Lawn Care

• Lawyer

• Life Coach

• Loans

• Marketing

• Massage Therapist

• Meditation/Yoga

• Mortgage Broker

• Naturopathic Medicine

• Nutrition

• Osteopathy

• Painter

• Personal Trainer

• Photographer

• Plumber

• Podiatrist

• Printer

• Project Management

• Psychologist

• Real Estate Rentals

• Real Estate Sales

• Reiki

• Residential Cleaning

• Residential Mortgage

• Security

• Signs

• Solar

• Solicitor

• Travel Agent

• Website Developer

• Wedding Planner

About the Find Manningham

By Warren Strybosch

The Find Manningham is a community paper that aims to support all things Manningham. We want to provide a place where all Not-For-Profits (NFP), schools, sporting groups and other like organisations can share their news in one place. For instance, submitting up-andcoming events in the Find Manningham for Free.

We do not proclaim to be another newspaper and we will not be aiming to compete with other news outlets. You can obtain your news from other sources. We feel you get enough of this already. We will keep our news topics to a minimum and only provide what we feel is most relevant topics to you each month.

We invite local council and the current council members to participate by submitting information each month so as to keep us informed of any changes that may be of relevance to us, their local constituents.

We will also try and showcase different organisations throughout the year so you, the reader, can learn more about what is on offer in your local area.

To help support the paper, we invite local businesses owners to sponsor the paper and in return we will provide exclusive advertising and opportunities to submit articles about their businesses. As a community we encourage you to support these businesses/columnists. Without their support, we would not be able to provide this community paper to you.

Lastly, we want to ask you, the local community, to support the fundraising initiatives that we will be developing

and rolling out over the coming years. Our aim is to help as many NFP and other like organisations to raise much needed funds to help them to keep operating. Our fundraising initiatives will never simply ask for money from you. We will also aim to provide something of worth to you before you part with your hard-earned money. The first initiative is the Find Cards and Find Coupons – similar to the Entertainment Book but cheaper and more localised. Any NFP and similar organisations e.g., schools, sporting clubs, can participate.

Follow us on facebook (https://www. facebook.com/findmanningham) so you keep up to date with what we are doing.

We value your support, The Find Manningham Team.

anningham The

EDITORIAL ENQUIRES:

Warren Strybosch | 1300 88 38 30 warren@findnetwork.com.au

PUBLISHER: Issuu pty Ltd

POSTAL ADDRESS: 248 Wonga Road, Warranwood VIC 3134

ADVERTISING AND ACCOUNTS: editor@findmanningham.com.au

GENERAL ENQUIRIES: 1300 88 38 30

EMAIL SPORT: sport@manningham.com.au

WEBSITE: www.findmanningham.com.au

OUR NEWSPAPER

The Find Manningham was established in 2019 and is owned by the Find Foundation, a Not-For-Profit organisation with is core focus of helping other Not-ForProfits, schools, clubs and other similar organisations in the local community - to bring everyone together in one place and to support each other. We provide the above organisations FREE advertising in the community paper to promote themselves as well as to make the community more aware of the services these organisations can offer. The Find Manningham has a strong editorial focus and is supported via local grants and financed predominantly by local business owners.

ALL THINGS MANNINGHAM

The City of Manningham is a local government area in Victoria, Australia in the north-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Manningham had a population of approximately 125,508 as at the 2018 Report which includes 27,500 business and close to 45,355 households. The Doncaster and Templestowe Council administered the area until December 15, 1994.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Find Manningham acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands where Manningham now stands, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation, and pays repect to their Elders - past, present and emerging - and acknowledges the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within our community.

DISCLAIMER

Readers are advised that the Find Manningham accepts no responsibility for financial, health or other claims published in advertising or in articles written in this newspaper. All comments are of a general nature and do not take into account your personal financial situation, health and/or wellbeing. We recommend you seek professional advice before acting on anything written herein.

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ACCOUNTANT

By Warren Strybosch

Every once in a while, you hear the stories about someone having access to cash from an undisclosed source. You are not 100% sure where they are getting the funds from, but you hear whispers that it might be coming from overseas - being transfer into Australia on their behalf. Well, this is all about to change.

Over the years, the ATO’s data matching capabilities and ability to track funds have increased significantly. Now that banks must disclose transfers and any suspicious activities, it is becoming increasing more difficult for people living in Australia to bring funds in from overseas.

The ATO, has warned everyone that they are increasing their surveillance in the area of money transfers coming into Australia. The ATO believes there are still people living in Australia receiving funds from overseas, who are masking the funds as something else, with the aim to avoid paying tax on that income they receive.

In 2014, the ATO provided an amnesty to those offenders who were receiving funds without disclosing it; to give them a chance to come forward and disclose their omitted offshore income and capital gains, without incurring penalties. However, it is unlikely the ATO will provide such an amnesty now.

The ATO has been working closely with many countries; entering into tax information exchange treaties for data gathering and data matching purposes. The ATO has more power now to access bank accounts to confirm the flow of funds and the ability to cross-check purchases with insurance policies and purchases with the amount of income being declared on returns.

The ATO has made it very clear that if anyone has funds flowing into Australia should have a tax strategy in place to account for those funds and pay the appropriate amount of tax that is due and payable. Otherwise, the ATO has warned that they may face audits, a please explain and possible penalties and fines; with large offenders being taken to court with the potential of facing jail time.

The ATO is really concerned with funds being transferred in the guise of a loan

Bringing Money into Australia? The ATO has you in their sites.

from one unrelated party to another. These are really concern to the ATO and will be monitored very closely. The ATO has gone so far as to say that they will even speak to the person who provided the loan and seek written confirmation that it is indeed a loan.

The ATO has stated that there are provisions in Australian which can be applied to treat a loan as income and people need to be aware that they might be required to pay a lot of tax if they cannot substantiate the funds transferred was actually a loan.

The ATO’s powers are far reaching and they have placed tax practitioners, accountants and other advisors on notice. The ATO has stated that they must make full enquiries to satisfy themselves that any funds transferred into Australia or received by a client are indeed what the client has reported. Otherwise, they themselves, might be caught up in the unauthorised or mischaracterised transaction and be considered duplicity in the client’s dealings; potentially placing themselves at risk of being fined or prosecuted as well.

“It’s timely as Australia continues to attract strong levels of investment, particularly in respect to real estate, both residential and within property development.”

“The ATO has now drawn a line in the sand and committed to scrutinising these transfers closely, so people should ensure they have received the proper tax advice before making a transfer.”

The ATO’s data resources meant another amnesty for offenders - along the lines of Project DO IT in 2014 - was unlikely, Mr Chye said. Project DO IT was a oneoff for individuals to disclose omitted offshore income, capital gains and over-claimed deductions with reduced penalties.

“The ATO has significantly more information-gathering powers than it did during the time of the amnesty, increasing its level of resourcing and entering into tax information exchange treaties with other jurisdictions,” he said.

“People seeking to transfer funds into Australia therefore need to ensure their tax structuring is appropriate well before they physically transfer the

funds, or risk interrogation from the ATO and other authorities.”

He said individuals claiming transferred funds - in amounts from $2 million and $50 million - were a loan from an unrelated party should be aware that this would raise an alert at the tax office. “If taxpayers are saying it’s a loan, then the ATO will speak with the person providing the money as a loan,” he said.

“There are provisions in Australian law which can be applied unexpectedly that can treat a loan from overseas as income; if shareholders take money from the company as a loan but it’s not documented properly, for example, it can be treated as income.”

“The ATO’s powers are far reaching and intended to also put advisers on notice and encourage them to dig deeper with clients and their financial affairs, otherwise advisers could be unwillingly supporting mischaracterised amounts coming in, which carries the risk of prosecution.”

Mr Chye said Australia’s unique tax laws meant early investment in tax advice would pay off.

“It reinforces the need for an appropriate level of tax planning before any transactions are undertaken - it’s also an educational opportunity for many new entrants as it can set them up with building and structuring tax advice overtime,” he said.

If a taxpayer was concerned by their level of compliance Mr Chye recommended getting a review conducted to determine their current obligations and create a plan for the future.

“A voluntary disclosure can mitigate against substantial penalties, time, cost and angst of a protracted ATO review or audit,” he said.

The founder of the Find Group of companies draws on his diverse background, which ranges from teaching, to serving in the army, to taxation and accounting, to coach and help clients live their best financial lives. A multi-award winner, Warrens’s innovative approach in business means he was a champion of virtual financial advise long before the pandemic. Warren established the Find Foundation, which owns and operates accros Victoria.

TOP 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL FINANCIAL ADVISER IN AUSTRALIA 2021 & 2022

NATUROPATH

By Kathryn Messenger

Whilst it’s commonly known that excessive drinking causes liver damage, there are many other toxins that are processed through the liver. The human body is exposed to toxins daily from the air we breathe, the water we drink, plastics, chemical cleaning products, cosmetics, medications, recreational drugs, cigarette smoke, and the list goes on. At some point, the liver becomes overloaded, and the detoxification process is impaired.

Signs of poor liver detoxification

• Liver damage

• Gallbladder disease

• Fatty liver and high cholesterol

• Migraines

• High blood sugar

• Allergies

• Poor digestion

• Nausea

• Sugar cravings

• Menstrual irregularities

• Eczema/dermatitis

• Stress

• Fatigue

The detoxification process

The liver detoxifies though three phases and is the most important organ in metabolism. The first phase is a process of chemical breakdown of the toxins; the second phase prevents oxidative damage to the body from the products produced in the phase one; and the third phase removes the final products of detoxification from the liver though the gall bladder to the bowels.

How to support the liver

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are an important part of the second phase of detoxification and can reduce inflammation which leads to liver dysfunction. All fruit and vegetables contain antioxidants, but the most effective vegetables are garlic, onion, cabbage, brussel sprouts, and broccoli; while berries, apples, citrus fruit, and grapes are the most beneficial fruit choices.

Dietary fibre

Fibre is important in regulating blood sugar, as fuel for a healthy gut microbiome, preventing constipation, absorbing bile and reducing the formation of gallstones. It is found in wholegrains, fruit and vegetables.

Does your liver need a detox?

Fats

Fats are important to stimulate bile, reduce gallstones, and reduce inflammation. Essential fatty acids are found in fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and grass-fed meat. Avoid trans fats (found in many packaged snacks and fast foods) and deep fried foods.

Exercise

Find something within your capabilities that you enjoy and move your body most days.

Reduce toxins

Sugar is closely associated with metabolic syndrome and liver disease. Reduce refined sugar and eat fruit or natural sugars as an alternative. Look out for chemical food additives in all processed foods: colours, flavours, and preservatives, and choose natural food products. If possible, eat organic foods which are free from herbicides and pesticides. Use natural cleaning products in your home, as well as personal cleaning products and cosmetics. Drinking filtered or spring water is preferred and spend time in nature breathing in the fresh air.

Special offer

Herbal medicines are very effective in detoxifying the liver and these herbs can be combined with antioxidant and other herbs.

For the month of February we are offering:

• acute liver detoxification appointment

• 1 bottle of liver tonic (individually made for you and your symptoms)

Only $80 (normally $110)

Available in person in Ferntree Gully, or video telehealth appointment.

www.wholenaturopathy.com.au/liver-detox/

This advice is general in nature and not intended to be prescriptive. For individualised prescriptive advice, please see a naturopath or other health care practitioner.

Kathryn Messenger

BHSc (Naturopathy)

kathryn@wholenaturopathy.com.au

Suite 1, 24/1880 Ferntree Gully Rd

Mountain Gate Shopping Centre

Ferntree Gully, Victoria

If fees to financial planners were tax deductible would you see one?

FINANCIAL PLANNER

By Erryn Langley

Advisers are rallying around the prospect of upfront financial planning advice fees becoming tax deductible after the ATO announced a review of Tax Determination 95/60 recently.

The financial planning profession has faced some significant challengers over the past 10 years and more so in recent years. So much so, the number of licenced financial planners has fallen from 31,000 down to just under 16,000. No other profession has experienced such a loss of members, and with nearly 50% of financial planning members exiting in such a short period of time, government and other organisations are reviewing what went wrong and what they can now do to rebuild the profession.

Whilst the numbers have dropped significantly, most people, even the financial planners who have remained, believe the regulatory changes were necessary to move the financial planning industry away from a sales-driven culture into a profession focused on client needs and objectives first and foremost and making sure the client’s best interest are always placed at the forefront of any advice being provided.

Even so, with so many advisors leaving the profession, it has now resulted in more Australians finding it difficult to afford financial planning advice. With the increased regulatory burden placed on financial planners, their workload has tripled over the last 5 years, and with fewer financial planners able to provide advice, it is no wonder financial planning fees have increased. It is believed the average fee being charged across Australia is approximately $3,580 per client per annum. This means some advisors are charging less and some are charging more than the $3,580 per annum but one thing is for sure, this increase in fees and likely future

increases, is likely to place financial planning advice outside of the reach of most everyday Australians.

As such, the federal government, has once again, placed the idea of taxdeductible financial planning fees back on the table. This is exciting news for financial planners and clients alike and may be what is needed to enable more Australians to seek advice and help the profession encourage a new wave of financial planners to join the profession. Under an existing tax rule, a fee paid by investors for the creation of a financial plan isn’t tax deductible. However, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) recently said it was reviewing this rule contained in Tax Determination 95/60.

Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) CEO, Sarah Abood, has welcomed the review after lobbying hard for the ATO to reconsider the ruling. One of the quickest and easiest ways to make quality financial advice more affordable for consumers would be to make it “taxdeductible in full”, she said.

“The ATO’s commitment to issue a new Tax Determination – indicating its willingness to modernise its long-standing view on this important issue – will provide more certainty to our members and the broader community of Australians who benefit from comprehensive financial advice,” she said.

(The amount is lower for older parents as they have less time until retirement, lower expected debt, higher super savings, and spend less time looking after children.)

Tax write-off would boost advice seeking

Warren Strybosch, Founder of the Find Group of companies including Find Wealth and Find Retirement, recently stated that affordability is a genuine concern. “We need to find a way to make advice more affordable. The problem is that our costs are being driven up by forces outside of our control. We are doing what we can do reduce costs but

there is only so much that can be done. The government needs to step in and make this change. Only then will we start to address the issue of advice and affordability, Strybosch says.

We are excited about the opportunities that this change could provide our profession and will keep you posted in future articles if in fact this proposal becomes legislation, as a profession all Financial Planners want to see that Financial Planning is affordable for all Australians, as the evidence suggest that seeking financial planning advice can pay off. The Financial Services Council estimates that professional advice can leave people better off in retirement by as much as $91,000 or more.

Whatever your goals and ambitions, it’s really important to get moving now and start planning for your best financial future.

Erryn Langley

1300 557 144 | erryn@findwealth.com.au www.findwealth.com.au

Financial Planning is offered via Find Wealth Pty Ltd ACN 140 585 075 t/a Find Wealth. Find Wealth is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No 468091) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd ABN 93 161 647 007 (AFSL No. 449221).Part of the Centrepoint Alliance group https://www.centrepointalliance.com.au/

Erryn Langley is Authorised representative (No.1269525) of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd.

This information has been provided as general advice. We have not considered your financial circumstances, needs or objectives. You should consider the appropriateness of the advice. You should obtain and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and seek the assistance of an authorised financial adviser before making any decision regarding any products or strategies mentioned in this communication.

Whilst all care has been taken in the preparation of this material, it is based on our understanding of current regulatory requirements and laws at the publication date. As these laws are subject to change you should talk to an authorised adviser for the most up-todate information. No warranty is given in respect of the information provided and accordingly neither Alliance Wealth nor its related entities, employees or representatives accepts responsibility for any loss suffered by any person arising from reliance on this information.

NATURE

By Kayte Kitchen

This is the fifth of five publications where we have been running a series of sensory experiences in nature.

Each experience will take about 10 mins and you are encouraged to read through the instructions before you commence your time in nature to maximise your experience.

Find a spot outside where you can sit or lie down comfortably. This could be in your backyard, your local reserve or in a national park. You may like the familiarity of the same place you have practised before or you may like to try somewhere new.

Take a few moments to regulate your breathing and settle into your position. For this breathing exercise, we will follow a pattern of 4 counts in, holding for 7 and then exhaling for 8.

Follow this pattern, allow it to take all of your focus and to help you unwind. Repeat for a few minutes.

Allow your breathing to find its natural rhythm once more.

For the next 5 mins we are going to practise tuning into all of our senses while we do a slow walk. You may only

move a few metres within the 5 mins, the point of the exercise being to tune in to your senses of sight, smell, hearing and feeling as you go. Draw your attention to the details, get in close to nature, take time to experience the full experience of each moment.

You are trying to slow down your senses, slow down your experience. Try not to allow distractions to come into your mind, be fully present to the experience. If you do get distracted, don’t stop, just tune back in and continue.

Robot Lawyers

When you choose to complete your experience, you may wish to take a moment of gratitude for nature and for the experience you have just had.

KayteKitchen

isthefounderofAdmirariNatureTherapywhoprovidenatureexperiencesfor schools, business and individuals. For more information visit admirari.com.au

Have you heard of DoNotPay ? It is the first Artificial Intelligent (AI) robot that has been developed to help people in the US to get out of paying parking fees or infringements that were incorrectly issued.

The company was founded in 2015 and will defend its first court case this month. The program will analyze data from past cases to prepare a defense on behalf of person who was issued the parking fine. The AI will even respond to questions in court. DoNotPay has agreed to take on the burden of punishment and pay for the speeding ticket if they fail and the fine has to be paid.

DoNotPay will charge a person $36 to argue the case in court. If they win and continue to do so this will be new breaking technology that is sure to change the landscape of the court system and likely put pressure on lawyers who operate in this space.

DoNotPay believe this will revolutionize the legal system and this is only the beginning. If their AI programs can operate with few errors and more importantly win cases, they will be able to expand their AI into different areas. The benefits of this technology will be vast and it might mean we are seeing an end of litigation as we know it.

Turning into our senses is an important way to disconnect from the fast pace of modern life.

Manningham

Manningham Art Gallery launches its 2023 Exhibition Program

Manningham Art Gallery has announced its 2023 Exhibition Program, and arts and culture fans are in for a treat.

Commencing this month, the jam-packed program will activate Manningham’s cultural venues with eight diverse exhibitions from over a dozen artists.

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante said the stories and perspectives of First Nations Peoples were at the forefront of the program which also included two major exhibitions on loan from leading Australian cultural institutions. “The program celebrates First Nations’ rich cultural heritages, diversity, strengths, and roles as knowledge holders,” Cr Diamante said.

The program also features exhibitions:

• highlighting lived experiences of disability and chronic illness

• exploring local ecosystems and environments

• reflecting on the experience of living between different cultures

The program launches in early February with Edwina Green’s immersive and poetic exhibition, Progeny. Renowned touring exhibition, Unfinished Business, arrives mid-year from the Australian Museum and features 30 First Nations people with disabilities, as they draw much needed attention to critical issues that impact on their lives. The year’s exhibition program will finish with an incredible collection of moving image works from ACMI (Australian Centre of Moving Image).

Manningham Art Gallery Program 2023

Please note, event details and dates are subject to change. You can keep up to date by following the Arts Manningham Facebook page or go to manningham.vic.gov.au/gallery.

Progeny

Saturday 5 February to Saturday 18 March 2023

Progeny in its direct meaning, is to be ‘the descendants of a person, animal or plant; offspring’ and pulls from the artist’s continued connectivity between ancestral lines and intergenerational discourse. Informed by her identity as a Trawlwoolway First Nations woman, hand-harvested and sewn kelp bags and spoken word (amongst others) communicate a delicate ancestral tribute.

Tongue - Tongs

Wednesday 29 March to Saturday 6 May 2023

Artist Soyoun Kim interplays the approximate sound of words, ‘tongues’ and ‘tongs’, drawn from her experience and perspective as a Korean-Australian immigrant whose mother tongue is not English.

Through a multisensory display of works of various mediums, including sound, video, scented tongue candles, porcelain, terracotta, bronze, and screen print, the exhibition aims to

evoke the emotional effects of the lost translation of language and culture.

Pain Pageant: A Visual Chronicle of Life with Endometriosis

Wednesday 29 March to Saturday 6 May 2023

Jess Coldrey’s exhibition Pain Pageant delves into the personal battle of living with Endometriosis. Through sculpture, photography, and drawing, she explores the taboos and performance surrounding the chronic illness and its average seven year diagnosis period.

Unfinished Business

Mid-May to Saturday 29 July 2023

The Unfinished Business exhibition reveals the stories of 30 First Nations people with disability. Their deeply personal stories are complex and intertwined with Australia’s political and social history, which has resulted in today’s unacceptably high rates of disability in Australia’s First Nations communities. This was a collaborative project between participants and Artist and Social Documentarian, Belinda Mason Knierim OAM.

With thanks to Australian Museum for loaning Unfinished Business to Manningham.

First Nations Peoples should be aware that this exhibition contains images, voices, or names of deceased persons.

River

Saturday 12 August to Saturday 23 September 2023

Bridget Hillebrand’s site-specific work River draws on innovative techniques using handmade washi paper, relief printing and audio, informed by the changing ecology of the Birrarung (Yarra River), which winds its way through Manningham and North East Victoria.

Bridge Under Water Lilies

Saturday 12 August to Saturday 23 September 2023

Artist Elmira Ng creates a retail space in the Gallery where stone-fired clay is currency. Western and Eastern symbolism merge in this exploration of culture and identity viewed through the lens of a second-generation Hong Kong Australian.

Beauty Disrupted

Saturday 12 August to Saturday 23 September 2023

Manningham Council’s Citizen Science program inspires a new body of work by ceramic artist Matt Butterworth. These intimate sculptures question narratives surrounding function and beauty.

Between the Details: Video Art from the ACMI Collection

Saturday 21 October 2023 to Saturday 4 February 2024

A showcase of moving image artworks by Australian artists. This exhibition celebrates ACMI’s vibrant collecting and commissioning program, an extensive collection of artworks available for loan by Australian cultural institutions.

Council News

Caption: Installation view of Progeny by Edwina Green. Photo by Charlie Kinross and Courtesy of Arts Manningham.

Caption: Standing Tall, Uncle John Baxter, Latja Latja/Narungga man. Board Member Reconciliation Victoria and First Peoples Disability Network, Aboriginal Partnership Coordinator -

Caption: Kaylene Whiskey, Ngura Pukulpa – Happy Place, 2021. Between the Details: Video Art from the ACMI Collection. Courtesy Kaylene Whiskey and Iwantja Arts. Photo: Max Mackinnon.

Manningham community comes together for a moving and reflective First Nations event

The Manningham community came together for a special event – Walking the path together – healing ceremony on Thursday, 26 January at MC Square.

Hosted by Manningham Council in collaboration with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, the event was a meaningful, reflective, and respectful demonstration of togetherness.

Around 70 people attended the event, which featured a dynamic performance by the Will Shake Spears cultural dance group.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Deirdre Diamante, said the event was a moving experience.

“As we know, 26 January is a significant day for our First Nations

Peoples. At Manningham, we understand that we must accept and acknowledge the wrongs of the past, so that we can walk a path forward together in the spirit of healing and reconciliation.

“We came together for this event to acknowledge our shared history and learn more about the First Nations history and story.”

Cr Diamante also announced that the new Manningham Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) would be launched in the coming months.

Developed in partnership with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung elders, the RAP demonstrates our long-term commitment to walking the path together with our First Nations Peoples.

30 faves in 30 days: nominate your favourite local businesses to win a $50 gift voucher

Everyone has their faves… that bakery with the best vanilla slice and even better service, a playground with a fence and coffee van to boot, or the salon around the corner where perfect brows are guaranteed!

Praise for these local gems should be shouted from the rooftops… actually, it’s 2023, so let’s go with Instagram shouts outs instead!

On 1 March, Manningham Council is launching Find Your Local – a business promotion initiative complete with its own Instagram page.

To celebrate the launch, a 30 faves in 30 days competition will be hosted on the new @findyourlocalmanningham Instagram page. The competition is a great way for locals to nominate or tag their favourite businesses (in a different category each day) and go into the daily draw to win a $50 gift voucher.

This is the first time Council has launched a page for the promotion of local businesses and Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said she hopes the new channel will meet the

community where they are and connect shoppers with local products and experiences so they can embrace everything Manningham has to offer.

“One benefit of living in such a diverse community is our access to a variety of unique products, services and spaces, just around the corner. Find Your Local will help residents find and keep up-to-date with what they can get locally.”

Following the competition, the page will be used to engage the community with local businesses by sharing their stories, products, services and offers. The page will also promote places and outdoor spaces for locals and visitors to explore, including parks, playspaces and walking tracks.

“When we buy locally, we not only support our hardworking businesses, but we invest in the future of Manningham. Let’s get around this initiative and work together to strengthen our economy,” Cr Diamante said.

For further information, go to https://www.manningham.vic. gov.au/businesses/find-your-local

Manningham Council’s Community Grant Program is making it possible for local not-for-profit groups to launch, continue and expand the great work they do for the community.

The annual program is now open for applications, and 2022 recipient, Jacqueline, encourages local not-for-profits to apply.

Jacqueline is the Project Coordinator for Free From Family Violence (FVREE), which received a community development grant to run a supported playgroup in partnership with the Migrant Information Centre.

The playgroup spends 12 weeks working with local families from migrant or refugee communities.

“We wouldn’t be able to run this project if it wasn’t for the support of Manningham Council’s Community Grants program,” Jacqueline said.

“We share messaging around gender equality, respectful relationships and breaking down gender stereotypes in these early years,” she said.

“We also help families get to know each other and build some stronger links with their local community. We have visits from services like the local library, Maternal and Child Health, Manningham Toy Library.”

Manningham Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Diamante, said that the Community Grants Program helped support incredible work in the local community.

“Through this program we support a wide range of projects in Manningham including community development initiatives, festivals and events and arts and culture.” There are two kinds of community grants groups or organisations can apply for.

Annual community grants

Council offers annual grants between $3,001 and $20,000 across three funding streams: community development, arts, and festivals and events. Applications close at 5.00pm, Tuesday 14 March.

Small grants

Small grants of up to $3,000 for community strengthening and up to $1500 for equipment purchases are also available. You can apply at any time during the year, with applications assessed quarterly.

Grant writing and information sessions

Council also offers grant writing and information sessions to help groups and organisations applying for grants. Registration is required but the events are free.

Upcoming events include:

Online community grant information session – Wednesday, 22 February, 6.00pm to 7.00pm https://www.manningham.vic. gov.au/events/community-grant-information-session-webinar

Online grant writing session – Thursday, 16 February, 6.00pm to 7.30pm

https://www.manningham.vic.gov.au/events/grant-writingworkshop

Please visit Council’s website for further information, including grant guidelines and details on how to apply. www. manningham.vic.gov.au/community-grant-program

If you’d like to chat to someone about your application, please get in touch with Council’s Grants team on 9840 9333.

For more than 50 years, Marshall White has been proudly associated with Melbourne’s most prestigious property markets. Continuing Parkes Property’s legacy, which has serviced the Manningham community since 1966, we are excited to announce our office has opened in Manningham.

With a network of ten company-owned offices across Melbourne’s prestige suburbs, together with our local area experts, Marshall White is excited to share our expertise with the residents of Manningham.